Memorializing a deceased loved one with a granite headstone is one of the best options you can choose. Granite offers a timeless appearance and will look great for years to come, as long as it’s properly cleaned and cared for.
Some cemetery caretakers will go the extra mile to clean the headstones, but that’s not always the case. In many instances, it’s up to families and friends to clean up the headstones. The good news is that caring for a granite headstone isn’t all that hard if you know what you’re doing. Read on to learn a few tips for cleaning headstones in Walterboro, SC:
- Clean it regularly: The last thing you want to do is wait months and months to clean granite. The longer you wait, the dirtier the stone will get, and the harder it’ll be to clean. We recommend making a trip to clean the headstone every couple weeks to ensure there’s no buildup of dirt or mildew. Plus, cleaning the headstone gives you a little time to spend with your loved one.
- Seal the granite: Though granite is just as sturdy as any other stone, it has a porous surface that can soak up spills and stains. You can ensure that’ll never happen by having your granite headstone sealed. Don’t just assume that the headstone you buy comes sealed, either—be sure to confirm with your monument maker that the granite is indeed sealed and ready to combat harsh weather.
- Make repairs as soon as you notice problems: As mentioned above, a granite headstone is built to last, but that doesn’t mean an accident won’t happen that damages the stone. The granite could be chipped in a storm or possibly damaged while the cemetery caretaker is mowing the grass. In either scenario, you’ll need to have the granite fixed as soon as you can. Neglecting to repair the granite can make the crack worsen and permanently ruin the stone.
How to remove stains
There are a couple different techniques you may have to use when it comes to cleaning granite headstones in Walterboro, SC. Here’s how to get rid of the most common headstone stains:
- Water-based stains: Rain and water from automatic sprinkler systems mean that the headstone will almost constantly be wet. Though sealed granite shouldn’t get stained from water, that’s not going to be the case if the stone is unsealed. Remove any water stains by making a poultice with baking soda, dish soap and hydrogen peroxide and applying it to the stain. Leave the mixture on the stain for at least a day, then clean it off with warm, soapy water.
- Mold and mildew: Nasty mold and mildew are bound to accumulate on headstones down here in our humid environment, especially if you don’t make a habit of regularly cleaning granite headstones in Walterboro, SC. Luckily, you can remove most mold and mildew stains quite easily. All it takes is a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water and a little bit of elbow grease. Start by scrubbing the headstone with a soft-bristled brush to scrape off any of the mold, then rinse it with water. Next, soak a clean cloth in your hydrogen peroxide mixture and leave the cloth on top of the stain for about 25 minutes. After that time, remove the cloth and rinse the headstone with clean water.
If you need a headstone, be sure to hire Steedley Monument Works to create it We offer a wide selection of personalized headstone, statue, plaque, bench and other monument options that’ll perfectly memorialize your loved one.